Forty people were killed and hundreds injured in a train collision mishap in eastern Uttar Pradesh as six bogies of Gorakhdham Express derailed and collided with a stationary goods train near Sant Kabir Nagar, reports said Monday.
The train was heading to Gorakhpur from New Delhi when it derailed this morning. Reports said that the train was lifted 100ft in air by force of collision with stationary goods train.
The death toll has risen to 40 and hundred have been injured, senior police officer Amrendra Sainger told a news agency.
The accident took place today morning near Churaid Railway Station, when six coaches of Gorakhdham express derailed and then rammed into a stationary freights train killing at least twenty people.
Out of six derailed coaches, four were general coaches and two were AC coach– AC first class and AC two tier.
Rescue workers along with ambulances, medical teams and a relief train were rushed to the site as many are still feared to be trapped in the coaches which were thrown over the goods train.
The Railways has ordered an inquiry into the accident which according to officials occurred due to derailment.
Also, a compensation of Rs. one lakh has been announced for the family of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.
Those who sustained simple injuries would be granted Rs 10,000 each.
PM-elect Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the victims’ families and tweeted that he had asked the Cabinet Secretary to take stock of the situation and ensure that people are assisted in time.
Conveying his condolences to the families of the victims, BJP chief Rajnath Singh tweeted, “Deeply saddened to know of the Gorakhdham Express tragedy in which many precious lives have been lost and several others have been injured”.
Calling the accident as extremely unfortunate, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav said that the Uttar Pradesh government is extending all kinds of help to those in need.
